Ask us about the Medical Card Scheme. We can explain the different aspects of the Medical Card Scheme and the prescription charge levy. We can help you with the forms and the details of your local Health Office.
A Medical Card is issued by the HSE. It is a plastic card about the size of a credit card. A medical card entitles those who have it to a range of Health Services free of charge.
If you have a medical card you are entitled to free Doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medicines and certain dental, ophthalmic (eye), and aural (ear) health services.
Eligibility for the Medical Card
You can qualify for the medical card scheme under any of the three main categories that include means test, unique hardship, or automatic. Further information on eligibility is available from your local health office or online from the HSE here.
Medical Card for Over 70’s
Since the 1st of January 2009 everyone aged 70 and over is entitled to a Medical Card if their income meets the following criteria. If the gross income of a single person is less than €500 per week and a couple’s gross income is less than €900 per week then they can qualify for a medical card. Further information on the eligibility of over 70's for the medical card is available from your local health office or online from the HSE here.
Prescription Charges and the Medical Card
As of the 1st of December 2013, the prescription levy will be €2.50 on every item dispensed on a medical card prescription up to a maximum of €25.00 per month, per person or family. Once the pharmacy can identify all of your family members then you should not pay more than €25.00 per month. A law was introduced that obliged every pharmacy to collect this levy on every item that was dispensed under the medical card scheme.
More information is available on the prescription charge from your local Health Office or online from the HSE here.